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Goodyear's new airship takes advantage of clear skies and calm conditions on its maiden voyage near Akron. The company announced the name for the new semi-rigid dirigible on Monday.
(Karen Schiely, Akron Beacon Journal via MCT)

The company announced the name Monday, submitted with a total of nearly 15,000 names by Akron resident Charlotte White. "Wingfoot One" received 35 percent of the public vote out of 10 final names selected by a panel of 10 Goodyear judges.

"The Wingfoot symbol has played a prominent role in defining the Goodyear brand for more than a century," said Paul Fitzhenry, senior vice president, global communications. "The name Wingfoot One makes an ideal connection between our trusted, global brand and our iconic airships."

The new blimp is in the final stages of flight testing and will be officially christened in a ceremony to be held next month, the company said. After the christening, Wingfoot One will travel the United States, visiting some of the country's biggest sports, news and entertainment events.

This is the first semi-rigid airship to be built in the 95-year history of Goodyear's Wingfoot Lake hangar, the company said. The new airship model replaces the previous "GZ-20A" model that flew for 45 years.

Akron City Council vacates downtown street

The city will clear Water Street this month to make room for a new real estate development.

The city council approved the vacancy between West State Street and West Bowery Street and leased the land to the developer of the Canal Square Building.

The developer plans to use the land to provide parking for the building, which is being built at the former site of the YMCA.

Voices raised over EPA superfund site

Residents have been complaining about possible vandalism at the the former Summit Equipment and Supplies site on Igor Avenue.

While the EPA has maintained that the superfund cleanup is on schedule, NewsChannel5 reported that residents are concerned about vandalism and illegal dumping at the fenced in location.

"As a homeowner I'm concerned about what goes on in this neighborhood," said Martin.

"I think it should be patrolled. Like I said I had to call before because there were 15 propane tanks dumped down there. Furniture, trash, I've seen people drag tree limbs and trees and stuff down there and dump it," neighborhood resident Mary Martin told the station.

Another resident said he doesn't think signs are clear enough and told NewsChannel5 that he sees people trespassing on the property.

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